Formal and Informal Composition

Formal design is symmetrical

Focal point on a square canvas is placed high.

    Above is another example of formal balance in a rectangle. There are ways of breaking rules with more rules. In an informal design it is advisable not to take line to the corners. A formal design is opposite.

    This formal design is two nearly square fields upper and lower The focal point is set high in the composition with a counter focal point set below. Divide the canvas at the most center point, disregard what is below for a moment. You will discern the focal point is her forehead, right above her eyes. Now look below in the bottom half and find the stop point  which is the crucifix  "GIVE" opens up and out, and the hands direct back in framing "give" as focal. The veil does the same  to direct your eyes back out and back in. The triangle sitting from the rim of the offering plate points you right to the focal area of the eyes and brows dead center. If you divide the canvas into two canvases, it is easy to see the focal point is set high, then counter balanced low at matching junctures.in the two halves.. The formal balance has multiple focal points each subservient to the other. 

Informal Design

Informal design is asymmetrical with a whole set of different rules guiding us to understand how to make good compositions.Here is an  example.to explain the placement of asymmetrical composition  within a glance in the manner of simplest design. 

So The first question you ask yourself before you paint is WHAT IS MY LINE?

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A Note About Andrew Loomas

WHAT'S MY LINE? 

This is the first question you ask yourself before painting! It is the first question you must answer when critiquing your art. It is the first step in planning your art and in the analysis of your work - as you progress and when you finish. Why? Because, Line is intrinsic. It is there no matter what. It is either good line or bad line.  If you don't leave it up to happenstance your line can be GOOD line everytime.  What is line?

                                                                                                    - ANDREW LOOMAS

           There are infinite solutions to composition and executing it. First conquer the basics. Line comes first because it exists whether you recognize it or not. If you don't recognize it, it is too easy to create a poor, or lessor painting. 

Line is more than outline

1. Line directs the eye over a given path. it is intrinsic. This is where we begin.

Welcome to susanspriggcritiqueyourpainting.com

This is a small 8"x 10" concept painting I did before starting a larger painting. I planned everything first The photograph  was very different from my painting. And, it all started with line to control the painting. I will post this and the reference, with permission from the photographer, along with the 2nd painting when it is done,  The first thumbnails starting with line will illustrate the 6 question process I teach my students to plan their paintings. I will use this painting to review the compositional  process in order to  show you how to  plan, which will  help you develop the art of analysis and critique which will immediately and ultimately make you a better painter .

Let's Get Started!